Mastering for CD and Vinyl, basic questions about master

[6dyslexicelephnt]

Hello all, I have a question regarding mastering a release for both CD and vinyl in terms of bit rates and differences between the masters. Vinyl is coming back into popularity and digital recording is here to stay...

Is the same master used for both the CD and vinyl release? Is a digital master made for both? People say you must master specifically for vinyl, but some LPs I have sound exactly like the CD version - maybe this master was just "adapted" for vinyl or maybe the vinyl master reel was "adapted" for CD? Would you have to change the vinyl master at all or could you just carefully bounce it into the computer through nice A/D conversion?

Okay here's another one, which is hopefully more interesting: When electronic music is made on a laptop and then put on to CD and vinyl, what is the usual format for the master(s)? Since most recording programs are capable of 24+ bits, would a higher quality (24bit?) master be used for the vinyl? Can 24bit be easily converted to 16bit or is making the transition part of the art of mastering?

Thanks so much for your time - I appreciate any and all replies

[djwaudio]

I would be inclined to use a mastering house who has a lathe, and is capable of CD mastering. They would have the best vantage point to get things optimized for either format.

I got a copy of 13th Step from A Perfect Circle for Xmas. I've had the CD since it came out, but the record is a totally different experience. As far as the sonic differences, I hear a big difference. It's still slammed, but it's a lot mellower and no way near as bright on my setup. The sound entrances me in a compelling way. I think the CD is pretty killer to though.

[bob katz]

Dana already covered one area, so I won't duplicate.

Yes, 24 bit, also 96K on CD ROM or DVDR can help produce a better vinyl, when the LP cutting engineer can use those files. In these days of the CD loudness race, and since WE engineers do NOT have control over how "loud" the vinyl is, it is definitely useful and better to cut the master for LP at the very least without the peak limiting and at 24 bits. In the hands of a good cutting engineer, it will produce a superior vinyl. Let him decide how hot he can cut the lacquer.

BK

[Paul Gold]

As with most things vinyl the answer is "it depends". If it's an LP than the CD master will probably transfer okay unless it's extremely bright and sibilant. I aways like getting a 24 bit file with less smashy smashy because it sounds better and the clipping doesn't buy you level on the disk.

With a 12" single it's more important to have a master that will transfer at a high level since that is what's expected. In that case it's best to have the cutting engineer master it.